My most recent long-term drive in Chrysler’s 300 was almost
two year ago in a 2012 model. Back then the new eight-speed ZF automatic
transmission had just been introduced paired with the V6 engine.

Along with the powertrain improvements, since then Chrysler has
freshened the interior with very significant improvement in materials,
finishes, component fit and overall appearance and layout of its
5-passenger flagship sedan.

As I write about the 2014 Chrysler 300 that I am driving we are on
the cusp of seeing another redesign of the 300 for 2015 that is expected to
be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

My driver-for-a-week was a very attractive Deep Cherry
Red Crystal Pearl Coat 2014 300 equipped with the 292HP 3.6-liter V6 and
AWD and with a base MSRP of $33,495. Options on this vehicle included a
$2600 Driver Convenience Group that includes a rear back-up camera, power
front seats, fog lamps, remote start and a few other items.

Also equipped was a huge dual-pane panoramic sunroof for $1595, as
well as the $995 Uconnect 8.4N audio/navigation equipment. With the
obligatory $995 destination charge we rang up the total at $39,680.

For 2014, model variants include the 300, 300S, 300C and 300C John
Varvatos Luxury Edition in RWD or AWD, and the 300C John Varvatos Limited
Edition in RWD.

Unique to the Chrysler 300S model is the award-winning 3.6-liter
Pentastar V-6 engine with a cold-air induction system and sport-tuned
exhaust system – which enables the aluminum mill to produce 300
horsepower (+8 horsepower), 264 ft.-lb. of torque (+4 ft.-lb) compared to
the rest of the six-cylinder 300 models.

For customers who seek more performance, the Chrysler 300S and 300C
are available with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with four-cylinder mode
Fuel Saver Technology and 370 horsepower, along with a firmer
performance-tuned suspension and larger performance-disc brake system.

Expected fuel economy is always an important
consideration in shopping for a new vehicle. The 300 achieves its highest
EPA test rating of 19 city mpg and 31 highway mpg with the V6 RWD model. If
you want Hemi V8 power the consequences will be lower expected fuel economy
The EPA test ratings for the V8 RWD are 16 city mpg and 25 highway mpg.
With AWD the ratings are lower due to the added weight and drive train
friction.

The 300 has a very long list of standard comfort, convenience and
safety features making it a very well appointed entry in the large car
class. Standard are heated-leather front seats, Uconnect 8.4 with voice
commands, front-row reactive head restraints, advanced multi-stage air
bags, full-length side-curtain air bags, seat-mounted side-thorax air bags,
driver’s knee bag, rear head restraints in all positions, electronic
stability control (ESC), Hill-start Assist (HSA),

All-wheel-drive gets you 19-inch wheels and P235/55 tires. On the
300S and 300C John Varvatos 20-inch wheels and P245/45 performance tires
are equipped. Suspension tuning and brake upgrades are also available.

I’ve enumerated the long list of standard features
intentionally for you to see that the 300 has a very generous list of
features to go along with its compliant and comfortable ride, quiet
interior with low levels of wind and tire noise, and a great sound system.
Seats are quite comfortable, ingress and egress is without problem, and the
overall feeling of the interior is one of high quality.

The V6 paired with the eight-speed automatic provides very good
acceleration, highway merging, lane changing and passing performance. Its
quiet too and the engine sound and exhaust note under full throttle
operation is very large-car like. The Hemi V8 will perform even better,
although while drinking more gasoline.

If you would like to compare the Chrysler 300 to other large 4-door
sedans, you can do that right here on www.theautochannel.com. If you would
like to find any additional information or options on the entire 2014 Chrysler 300 model
line you haven't found here, they may be found a mouse click away at (a href="http://www.chrysler.com"> www.chrysler.com.

The Chrysler 300 was named a “Top Safety Pick” by the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), achieving their highest
rating. And the 2014 Chrysler 300 was named a Consumer Digest Best Buy.

If I were purchasing a 300 (All 2014 Chrysler 300 Trim Levels), it probably would be the 300S
model with the V6 and all-wheel-drive (AWD). I like the Chrysler system
that, when AWD is not required, automatically disconnects the front axle to
maximize fuel economy while still providing the fun-to-drive performance
and handling inherent in rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

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